Antitrust regulators of the European Union would be examining the mergers and acquisitions in the telecommunications industry. The review would be made on the effect that such deals would have on national markets and not the new proposals on creating an European Union market.

In a speech, Competition Commissioner Joaquin Almunia said the proposal given earlier in the week to overhaul the rules governing these deals in the telecoms industry would not have an immediate effect. Thus, regulators would have to look at the impact that these deals would have on the national markets.

The plan to overhaul the industry would benefit consumers. According to Bloomberg, subscribers would not need to pay a premium to get calls while in any of the 28 member-countries of the EU. The plan was slated to take effect in the middle of next year. The proposal gave telecom providers the option to offer customers phone plans that would be applicable anywhere they are in the region. The companies would also be able to choose a separate roaming provider but would not need to purchase a new SIM card.